Save Virginia Tech’s Stadium Woods

I got an email last night from a Christopher Risch, who just produced this short film on the effort to Save Stadium Woods – a rare fragment of old growth forest that supports white oaks over 300 hundred years old – on the campus of Virginia Tech.  The film is well-done, inspirational and raises important philosophical questions about development and the loss of habitat.

Here’s some more information about the issue.

Hidden behind Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium is an 11 acre tract of forest known as ‘Stadium Woods’. This woodland is a rare fragment of old growth forest that supports white oaks over 300 hundred years old. Stadium Woods is a living ecosystem and wildlife habitat that provides vital ecological functions, aesthetic and social benefits, and is a migration sanctuary for bird species from south and central America.

The Virginia Tech football program has proposed to clear a 3-5 acre portion of this old growth forest in order to build a 100,000 sq. ft., 90 ft. tall, $25 million, indoor practice field. We do not oppose the construction of this practice facility. However, we do believe that the proposed structure can be constructed elsewhere. The Friends of Stadium Woods are asking that you consider signing the petition below to help us save this one last remaining remnant of old growth forest.  Visit the Stadium Woods website to learn more.

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